The next morning, Jen watched with wide eyes as James gulped his orange juice at breakfast. Quilava lay next to the table, snoring lightly as he prepared himself for the day's action. As James set his glass down, Jen spoke up.
“So, are you ready? Chuck's the toughest Gym Leader I've battled so far.” James nodded.
“I know I'm going to win this one. I haven't lost a Gym match since Azalea Town, so I'm gonna keep the run going.”
“You've only had two of them,” Jen warned, “and they were pretty close calls, too. Don't get overconfident.”
“I'm not overconfident.” James insisted. “I've just got a really good feeling about today. My team is stronger than ever, and they can counter anything Chuck can throw at us. We're going to win.”
“If you say so,” Jen answered, and went back to her toast. James looked at Quilava, who opened one sleepy eye.
“You set to go, buddy?” Quilava growled an affirmative, and James grinned. “Awesome. If we keep this up, we won't lose a match again.”
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After returning to the Cianwood Gym and having the attendant rouse Chuck, James stood in the challenger's technical area with his grin still firmly affixed to his face. Jen sat in the stands, watching him with concern. Chuck tensed a few times before turning to face his challenger.
“Are you ready, young man? Just because your friend beat me yesterday, don't think this one will be a walkover.”
“I'm ready to win, Chuck!” James scratched Quilava's ears as the gym attendant announced the battle.
“This Cianwood City Gym challenge will now commence! The challenger is James from Violet City, and he will face our leader, Chuck!”
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James Enfield
A: ★★
D: ★
S: ★★
Chuck
A: ★★★
D: ★
S: ★★
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“Each competitor may use three Pokémon, and only the challenger may substitute!” The attendant turned to Chuck. “Gym Leader, your first Pokémon, please!”
“Machoke, come on out!” The heavily muscled Fighting-type grinned across the field as it emerged. James gripped his Pokéball tightly before he threw it out.
“Haunter, you're first up!” The violet ghost yawned as usual, but James kept smiling. “You can nap later, let's win first!”
“Begin!” shouted the attendant, and Chuck sprang into action.
“Use Foresight!” Machoke's eyes glowed a pale yellow, and it stared right at Haunter. James raised an eyebrow, then pointed to Machoke.
“It can't hit us with much, Haunter! Get in close and use Lick!” Haunter flew toward Machoke, tongue hanging from his mouth in anticipation, but Chuck laughed as the ghost approached.
“Karate Chop!” Machoke let Haunter get close, then brought a stiff forearm down onto his head. Haunter recoiled in surprise, and James shrank back in similar fashion.
“What...but how? Fighting-type moves don't affect Ghost-types!”
“They can if their opponent uses Foresight. That allows Normal or Fighting moves to hit ghosts. You didn't think I'd forget to prepare a strategy for facing them, did you?” James stared, then he motioned to Haunter.
“Okay, new plan! Get clear and use Shadow Ball!” Haunter generated a pulsing sphere of dark energy and pushed it toward Machoke. The fighter jumped over the attack and rushed towards Haunter anew.
“That's it, Machoke! Give it another whack with Karate Chop!” Machoke smashed into Haunter again, and the ghost looked to his trainer frantically.
“Focus! Hit it with Confuse Ray!” Haunter's eyes glowed with an iridescent light, and Machoke's eyes became unfocused. “All right, now use Shadow Ball again!”
“Counter it! Use Karate Chop!” Machoke took a wild swing, but ended up throwing itself to the floor just as the Shadow Ball hit it. The Fighting-type slowly pulled itself up, looking dazed. “Okay, now get after it! Cross Chop!” Machoke crossed its forearms as it dove at Haunter, and James snapped into action.
“Don't let up, Haunter! One more Shadow Ball!” Haunter fired the pulsing attack directly into Machoke's face, and bits of the field flew up as Machoke was driven back onto the ground. The gym attendant waited for Machoke to stir, but it remained flat on its back.
“Machoke is unable to battle! Haunter is the winner!”
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“Yeah! Way to go, Haunter!” James was grinning more broadly than ever now. “With a Ghost-type in my corner, I can't lose.”
“Well, we'd like to prove you wrong, son!” Chuck was grinning as well, even as he recalled Machoke. “You may have taken down one of my team, but I've still got two to go!”
“Bring it!” James tensed again, and Haunter stuck his tongue out at the Cianwood Gym Leader.
“Okay, let's keep this going! Primeape, time to hit the mat!” The Pig Monkey Pokémon jumped from one foot to the other, its short temper close to boiling point as usual.
“Haunter, Confuse Ray!” The light in Haunter's eyes reflected in Primeape's, but the fighter looked unfazed. “Okay, that didn't work. Try Hypnosis!” This time, Haunter's eyes glowed violet, and a cloud surrounded Primeape; a moment later, though, the cloud dissipated. “Now what?”
“Hypnosis can't overcome Primeape's Vital Spirit! No matter how many sleep moves are thrown at it, it will never give in!” James' smile faded a little as he prepared his next attack.
“Okay, let's see it handle this! Haunter, Shadow Punch!” Haunter flew over to Primeape and struck it with one of his disembodied hands. Chuck simply kept grinning in response.
“Assurance!” Primeape's body glowed white before it slammed an open palm into Haunter's face. Haunter shrank back in pain as the attack hit.
“What kind of move is that?!” James shouted as Haunter recovered. Chuck laughed as he started to explain.
“Assurance is a move that increases in force when its user takes damage. It's also a Dark-type move, which is why Haunter is so spooked.” Haunter shook himself once and stuck his tongue out again, but James raised his Pokéball before things went further.
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“Return for now, Haunter!” James took a deep breath, then looked down at Quilava. “You ready to go, buddy?” Quilava vocalized an affirmative, and he ran onto the field to face Primeape. Chuck's grin widened even more as the Fire-type ignited his flames.
“What's he doing?!” Jen almost screamed as she watched the proceedings from the stands. “Don't tell me he's forgotten what Chuck's got in reserve...”
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“Okay, Quilava, Flamethrower!” Quilava unleashed a stream of fire that slammed into Primeape, but the ape held its ground.
“Step up and use Focus Energy!” A bright light surrounded Primeape, then slowly faded as it appeared to coalesce on its forehead. “And now use Karate Chop!”
“Quilava, Dig!” The Volcano Pokémon dove underground as Primeape swung its forearm at him, then leaped out and slammed headfirst into the Fighting-type. “Keep it up! Quick Attack!”
“Assurance!” Primeape delivered another palm strike just after the speed attack hit. “Cross Chop!”
“Flamethrower!” The stream of fire hit Primeape's crossed arms and dissipated as the Pig Monkey rushed forward. “Okay, this is it! Flame Wheel!” Quilava's body was surrounded by fire, and he charged ahead to meet the Cross Chop. The resultant impact threw both Pokémon back, and a small cloud of smoke appeared at the site. “Quilava!”
“Primeape, stand strong!” As the smoke cleared, Quilava looked shaken but alright, while Primeape stood tall, its right eyelid twitching. Quilava tensed for another attack, but Primeape pitched forward and landed flat on its face, its fight finished.
“Primeape is unable to battle! The point goes to Quilava!”
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Jen shook her head as she watched Chuck recall Primeape.
“He'd better have some kind of wild strategy planned. That's the only explanation for sending out Quilava instead of preparing to face Poliwrath.” She put her face in her hands as she leaned forward in her seat. “Who am I kidding? He doesn't do strategy, he just rushes in and improvises. He's on a wave of confidence, and he's gonna ride it...all the way to disaster.”
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“Your Quilava is very strong, son.” Chuck called as he took out his last Pokéball. “But you may have made a mistake in your team selection. I hope you haven't forgotten my prizefighter here!” He tossed the Pokéball, revealing his Poliwrath. The fighting frog flexed its muscles, and James' grin faded again.
“I didn't forget. Quilava's just eager to fight.” Quilava's flames intensified, and James motioned to him. “A little too eager. Come on back and take a break, buddy.” Quilava slunk over to James' technical area, and the youngster scratched his friend's ears. “You'll get back in there, pal. The rest of the team can help out for now.” James thought for a moment, then took out Haunter's Pokéball. “We'll use some trickery for this one! Haunter, time for another run!” The ghost waggled his tongue in his taunting way, and Poliwrath's eyes narrowed. “Alright, Confuse Ray!”
“Swagger!” Poliwrath flexed even more, and Haunter's eyes narrowed in anger before glazing over.
“Uh-oh,” James muttered. “That doesn't look promising. Haunter, Shadow Ball!” Haunter began forming the Ghost-type attack, but lost his concentration. The attack exploded before Haunter could launch it. “No! Try it again!”
“While they're distracted, use Belly Drum!” Poliwrath pounded its stomach with its large fists, and looked drained afterwards. “We may have sacrificed some vitality, but we've maxed our attack power!”
“That's not good! Haunter, try another Shadow Ball!” Haunter's eyes returned to normal as it formed the attack, but Poliwrath was all over him in an instant.
“Ice Punch!” The frog's fist glowed blue, and it slammed the attack right between Haunter's eyes. The force of the strike sent Haunter flying through the air, and it nearly phased through the back wall of the gym as it sped past James' ear.
“Haunter!” The ghost's eyes showed the dazed look of a knockout this time.
“Haunter cannot battle! Poliwrath takes the round!”
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“I warned him,” Jen groaned as she watched. “I told him not to get overconfident, but does he listen? Poliwrath's looking unstoppable now, and even a super effective attack might not help James at this point.” She looked down, first at Quilava, whose eyes were wide with shock, then to James, who looked just as stunned. “And he knows it, too. He's got to react fast.”
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“Good work, Haunter,” James said as he recalled the ghost. “For your first Gym match, you put in a strong shift.” He took out another Pokéball and gripped it tightly. “We can't let Poliwrath get a clear shot at us, or we'll get crushed. Time to get back to it, though.” He threw the all a little harder than necessary as he called on a third team member. “Pidgeotto, go!” The bird trilled as she emerged, and fixed Poliwrath with her usual haughty gaze, which the frog returned with anger in its eyes.
“Poliwrath, show them that staying out of reach isn't so easy! Jump and use Ice Punch!” Poliwrath pushed off from the ground and leaped up to Pidgeotto's level, its fist taking on a blue glow once more.
“Stay clear, Pidgeotto! Use Gust!” Pidgeotto whipped up a tornado in midair, catching Poliwrath in the vortex. “Good work! Now, use Quick Attack!” The bird circled the tornado and rushed at Poliwrath's back, striking it hard.
“Keep calm, Poliwrath! Fire a BubbleBeam into the funnel!” Glowing blue bubbles shot out from all directions, and a few hit Pidgeotto as she circled the frog. The Gust disappeared, and Poliwrath began to fall toward the ground.
“This is our chance, Pidgeotto! Use Wing Attack to knock it down!” Pidgeotto flew down towards Poliwrath, her wings outstretched. As she started to swing one of them, Poliwrath grabbed her and tossed her down. “No! We got too close!”
“Body Slam!” Poliwrath extended its limbs as it fell towards Pidgeotto. The Bird Pokémon hit the ground, and looked up in fright as the frog dropped from the air.
“Pidgeotto, get out of there!” James yelled out, but it was no use. Poliwrath belly-flopped right on top of Pidgeotto, crushing her under its weight. The frog pushed itself off of the bird, and the attendant called the round.
“Pidgeotto cannot battle! Poliwrath wins!”
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James recalled Pidgeotto and felt his breathing speed up. He'd been ahead just a few minutes ago, and now he was on the brink of blowing that hard-earned lead. Quilava's fire attacks wouldn't be much help against a Water-type, and Poliwrath's enhanced attack power meant that a direct hit was a sure finisher. He closed his eyes and tried to steady himself, willing himself to calm down. This wasn't over yet.
“Quilava,” he said as the Fire-type glared at Poliwrath. “You're strong enough to win this. We've come too far not to give this our best shot. So let's show everyone what you can do.” Quilava darted onto the field, and Poliwrath flexed in anticipation.
“All right, son, come at us with everything you've got!” Chuck looked energized by Poliwrath's quick wins, and James mustered up the effort to smile again.
“You've got it! Quilava, Quick Attack!” The Volcano Pokémon sped in and slammed Poliwrath, rushing back to safety as fast as he could after the hit.
“Rain Dance!” Poliwrath clapped its hands, and a dark cloud appeared above the battlefield. Large drops of rainwater began hammering into the floor, splashing everywhere. Quilava shrank back from the water, but James pointed to Poliwrath.
“Dig!” Quilava burrowed underground, and Poliwrath tensed.
“Steady! Prepare Brick Break for when it comes up!” Poliwrath's fist glowed, but Quilava emerged behind the frog and slammed into its back.
“Alright, now use Smokescreen!” Quilava covered the field with a thick black smoke, but the rain made it scatter faster than normal.
“It's been a fun battle, son!” Chuck called out as the smoke disappeared completely. “But I'm afraid that it's time to end it! Poliwrath, Mind Reader!” Poliwrath's eyes took on a bluish glow, and Quilava's body shone with the same hue. “Now DynamicPunch!”
“Dig!” Quilava tried to dive underground again, but Poliwrath reached him in two strides and swung a red-glowing fist into his lower body. The punch exploded, sending smoke, rainwater and bits of battlefield flying everywhere. “Quilava, no!” Quilava's body shook as he tried to stay standing, but his legs gave out and he collapsed onto the battlefield, defeated.
“Quilava is unable to battle! Poliwrath wins, and the match goes to the Gym Leader, Chuck!”
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James ran out onto the field to check on his friend as the attendant called the result. He knelt in front of the Fire-type, who raised his head weakly.
“Quilava, are you okay?” Quilava growled in response, and James nodded. “We'll get you right over to the Pokémon Centre, buddy. Just hang in there.” He turned to see Chuck standing behind him, and Jen running over to them as well.
“Your team has great attacking potential and fighting spirit, son.” Chuck said as he looked Quilava over. “Even in defeat, you battled hard and refused to give up, right to the very end. There is no shame in that.”
“I appreciate that, Chuck.” James looked quickly at Jen, who simply nodded. “The next time we battle, we'll win for sure.”
“I will look forward to it.” Chuck walked out to the lobby, and James looked at Jen again.
“Is Quilava going to be...” she began, but James cut her off.
“He'll be fine.” he answered. “Listen...you were right. I was overconfident today. I didn't think I could lose after everything had gone so well, but Chuck...well, let's just say I got my wake-up call.” Quilava stirred, and James looked down at him. “C'mon, buddy, let's get you to Nurse Joy. She'll take care of you.” He helped the Fire-type to his feet, and the three of them walked towards the door.